We are now several weeks into Lent and all of our hearts may be at a different place during this spiritual pilgrimage to Easter. Some are in the midst of suffering and wondering when it will end, some are daily uniting their cross to Christ, some are in need encouragement that they can start their fasts anew today, while others are easily living in the hope that the Easter season will bring. Wherever you are at is an okay place to be in this moment but, the Lord is always inviting us “further up and further in” (C.S Lewis, The Last Battle) to greater union with Him. A passage to meditate upon as an individual or family to reset your foundation is the great Shema (Deut. 6:4-9) or what is echoed in the question of what is the greatest commandment.
“The first is this: ‘Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is Lord alone! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” (Mk 12:29-31).
By placing the Lord first in every aspect of our lives and families the abundance of grace will overflow into love of ourselves and our neighbors. We will be able to recognize the dignity of each human person we meet and build up the domestic church.
Click here for a video reflection. After viewing the video, consider asking yourself these questions:
- How am I responding to God during this Lenten season?
- How can I renew my personal and familial commitments to prayer, fasting and almsgiving?
- What are the fruits of this Lenten pilgrimage so far?
